Philippines COA flags ₱397.45 million in DSWD cash aid discrepancies

The Commission on Audit (COA) has identified ₱397.45 million in duplicate, multiple, and overlapping payments within the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

According to the COA 2025 annual audit report, the discrepancies stem from two primary failures in verification. Approximately ₱31.36 million was attributed to duplicate or multiple AICS payments that violated frequency rules set in a 2022 memorandum. Additionally, ₱366.10 million was identified as overlapping payouts where beneficiaries received aid from both the AICS and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian denied that public funds were wasted, stating that auditors did not find evidence of theft or fake beneficiaries. He acknowledged that fraudulent medical certificates had been submitted and noted that some documents were not fully reviewed due to the high volume of applicants. Gatchalian attributed the issues to potential personnel errors and the scale of the program, which provides financial assistance for medical emergencies, funeral expenses, and transportation.